Turn off status barSupport

Is there anyway to turn off/disable the notifications from the status bar (systems bar at the bottom) without rooting the tablet?

My problem is I use LectureNotes to do handwritten notes and I end up pressing the clock (notifications) with my palm and having the notifications pop up.

I have no issue with the buttons on the other side of the screen (back and home) since i am right handed but is there a way to stop the notifications pop up happening when inside an app. or do I have no choice but to root? (LectureNotes can hide the bar if rooted).